Meet Western New York's Chess Ambassador!

Chess coaching excellence since 1999

Coach Michael A. McDuffie

In 1999, Coach McDuffie. a United States Chess Federation-certified coach, founded Archangel 8 Chess Academy as a way to promote the Royal Game. In addition to teaching, he runs monthly USCF-sanctioned tournaments at the Main Place Mall in Buffalo. His tireless efforts have led him to be dubbed the Chess Ambassador of Western New York. In honor of his work he received the 2017 Sankofa Eye on History Award. In 2018, he established the 1st annual Erie County K-6 Chess Championships.

Under his tutelage, students become winners! Titles won by his students include:

2019 New York State Scholastic Chess Champion

2018 National K-6 Blitz (900-999) Champion

2018 New York State Scholastic Chess Champion

2018 US and International Top 100 Girls Age 14 Designee

2017 National Top 100 Girls Age 14 Designee

2017 WNY Pioneer Fall Classic K-8 Champions

2016 New York State Scholastic Championships 3rd Place winner High School Reserve Section

2016 National Elementary Under 800 Champion

2016 Western New York K-8 Co-champions

2015 New York State Scholastic Chess Champion

2015 Western New York K-4 Fall Scholastic Champions

His Eagles of Excellence team from the Aloma D. Johnson Charter School participated in the 2017 Supernationals VI Championships and the 2018 National Elementary Championship in Nashville, TN.

One Parent Says:

Coach McDuffie engages children and youth in a way that I have always been in awe of. He has a gift for connecting with students and quickly gains their respect -- through a glance, a shared laugh, and his calm, strong presence. He teaches students to apply critical thinking skills to chess, which will empower them in their lives well beyond the game.